"The conflict between California sea lions and salmon remains. We hope
our decision will help resolve that conflict in a way that is legally
and scientifically sound, and biologically effective," NOAA announced.

The Humane Society said the decision by NOAA Fisheries came in response to a lawsuit the society had filed to protect sea lions. They are considered a problem because they eat salmon and steelhead trying to migrate past the dam, just east of Portland. Humane Society officials said the decision means the two states cannot kill any of the federally protected sea lions unless NOAA Fisheries approves a new request.

Federal law allows sea lions to be killed only if the government proves they are having a significant negative impact on salmon.

"If the states submit a new application under the MMPA, we'll consider the request, without prejudging it," NOAA added. Its goal would be to make a final decision no later than Feb. 29, 2012 before the California sea lions begin to return to the dam.